Awards, Films, News

Laura Dern Joins Elected Branch Governors of the Academy Along With Two More Women

Laura Dern in “Wild”

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made some headway earlier this summer when it announced that it had invited a total of 683 new members to its ranks in an effort to diversify its membership in both gender and race. 46 percent of the invited members were women, and 41 percent were people of color.

Now the Academy has turned its focus on its governor system, where an election for 16 branch heads just took place. Of the six newly elected governors, three of the representatives are women, and two are people of color.

The newly elected female governors are Laura Dern (actors branch), Sharen K. Davis (costume designers), and Laura Karpman (music). Davis is a person of color, as is new governor Roger Ross Williams (documentary).

Dern, Davis, and Karpman are joined by three other female governors who were re-elected: Jan Pascale, of the designers branch, Nancy Utley, of the publicity branch, and Robin Swicord, of the writers branch.

Here’s a quote from Karpman on her election: “I am honored and completely thrilled to be selected for the board. I think this clearly shows that there is a tremendous will for change and inclusion, and it will be my mission to implement that will in whatever way I can.”

As Variety detailed, “The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, for a total of 51, plus the three governors-at-large.” Each governor serves a three year term before re-election. Out of the 54 governors positions, 17 are held by women. There is potential for more women to be elected, as there are still more decisions to be made. For example, the film editors branch will require a run-off election after a tie between candidates Maryann Brandon and Mark Goldblatt. Run off voting will take place from July 25–28.

“I’m honored and privileged to welcome the Academy’s new board,” said Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs, according to Variety. “I thank our members for actively participating and taking another step toward inclusion, one that will bring new ideas and perspectives as we continue to expand our global outreach while leading our community forward.”

It’s another step in the right direction for the Academy.

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